ii–V–vi in D Major

Pattern: ii – V – vi Chords: Em – A – Bm

Chord Breakdown

Numeral	Chord	Type	Function
ii	Em (details)	minor	Supertonic
V	A (details)	major	Dominant
vi	Bm (details)	minor	Submediant

Harmonic Analysis

This progression moves through Em (Supertonic) → A (Dominant) → Bm (Submediant).

A ii–V that resolves deceptively to the vi chord instead of the expected tonic. Jazz arrangers use this to extend a tune's harmonic journey and delay the final resolution for greater emotional impact.

Song Examples

Stella by Starlight — Victor Young
I Remember You — Victor Schertzinger

Chord Details

Em A Bm

More Progressions in D Major

I–IV–V–I I–V–vi–IV I–vi–IV–V ii–V–I I–IV–V I–♭VII–IV vi–IV–I–V I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V I–IV I–V IV–V IV–I